Harmar AL003: a light manual hitch lift for folding wheelchairs

A folding wheelchair is light compared with a scooter, but lifting one into a trunk several times a day still wears on shoulders and backs. The Harmar AL003 Manual Lift, new on our shelf, takes that job outside the car. The chair rolls onto a small platform on the hitch and rides behind the vehicle.

What it is and who it suits

The AL003 is built for one kind of device: the manual folding wheelchair. Harmar describes it as a compact, fully manual hitch-mount lift with a tilting joint that makes rolling the chair on easier, and an adjustable hold-down arm to keep it in place. When you need the tailgate or lift gate, the lift folds down out of the way, and it folds up when it is empty. All of this is on the AL003 page, which also says no changes to the wheelchair are needed.

It could be the right fit if:

• The device you travel with is a manual folding wheelchair.
• You want to stop lifting the chair into the trunk or back seat.
• Your vehicle has a Class I hitch or greater, or can be fitted with one.
• You are happy to load by hand rather than with a motor.

Because it is so light, the AL003 asks less of the vehicle than the big platform lifts do. That said, the hitch and the vehicle still carry the lift plus the chair, so check both ratings before you decide. If you would like a motor to do the raising, look at the Harmar AL030 Power Tote, which has the same capacity and platform size with power lifting.

Key specs

As listed on Harmar's AL003 product page:

• Lifting capacity: 100 lb
• Carries: manual folding wheelchairs
• Installed weight: 25 lb
• Platform: 14 in x 30 in
• Hitch: Class I or greater
• Operation: manual
• Securement: manual hold-down arm and a wheel cradle
• Vehicles: most sedans, minivans, SUVs, vans and trucks

What comes with it

Harmar lists one included item: a ball mount.

Warranty

The AL003 falls under Harmar's vehicle lift warranty: three years on parts, meaning material, mechanical and electrical components. Read the terms before you buy, since they set some conditions:

• The clock starts on the date of initial installation.
• The warranty certificate goes back to Harmar within ten days of installation.
• An authorized Harmar distributor or certified installer must install the lift, and it must be maintained and operated properly.
• Labor cost, batteries, paint, rust and covers are not covered, nor are maintenance and adjustments.
• It can transfer when Harmar's Compatibility Calculator approves the new application.

Delivery and installation

A lift this small still needs the right hitch, the right height and a proper check before the first trip. We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation.

You will not find a shelf price for this lift. Instead, the fit check on the product page asks about your vehicle and your chair and then shows the price for that setup. Delivery details for your state are on our shipping by state page.

Related lifts on Faith Mobility

• Harmar AL030 Power Tote, the powered sibling for folding wheelchairs
• Harmar AL010/050 Micro Outside Lift, for small scooters and power chairs too
• Harmar AL001 Hitch Carrier, a larger manual carrier

Or see the full range of vehicle lifts.

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See the Harmar AL003 Manual Lift on Faith Mobility.

Sources

• Harmar: AL003 Manual Lift
• Harmar: Vehicle Lifts Warranty (PDF)